Audiobook Review: The Painter of Time by Matthew S O'Connell

There is great history, art detail and a good twist in this story.
The Painter of Time
By: Matthew S O'Connell
Narrated by: Susan Fouche

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-13-18
Language: English
Publisher: Matthew O'Connell
Genre: Historical, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Contemporary/historical suspense audiobook set amid the art world of modern day NYC and the dawn of the Renaissance in Italy.
Bronx born and bred, Mackenzie Ferrara is both nervous and excited to begin her career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters in New York City. The star of the restoration team is a handsome and reserved Italian, Anthony Bataglia. On loan from the Ufizzi, he is renowned for his ability to bring pre-Renaissance treasures back to life. Despite a rocky start, the two form a close working relationship, which Mackenzie hopes will blossom into something more.
But as she works with him she begins to notice peculiar patterns and unexplainable similarities in all of his restorations. Something is clearly not what it seems to be with the dashing Mr. Bataglia. Mackenzie - with help from her father, a retired detective - is determined to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences.
©2015 Matthew O'Connell (P)2018 Matthew O'Connell

Review:
Mackenzie is excited to begin her new career as a restorer of fine art at the prestigious Cloisters Museum. She is partnered to work under a renowned restorer, a handsome Italian, Anthony Bataglia. Anthony specializes in restorations of pre-Renaissance works. He is quiet and dedicated and Mackenzie is learning as he mentors her, showing her how to inspect every corner and inch of the work, documenting any deterioration in color, paint medium, canvas, condition or other unusual anomalies.

Mackenzie notices an unusual detail regarding women in several paintings as well as a mystery about the signatures. Mackenzie’s father is a retired cop who has reason to be interested in art anomalies due to an old forgery case. They discuss the details of Mackenzie’s research and turn up some more interesting facts. Mackenzie’s investigation brings a possibility of romance while revealing some surprises and twists that are unique and fun.

The plot details are engaging and kept me eagerly listening. The historical elements of the paintings and the detailed explanation of restoration are very fascinating. The descriptions would pull in any art lover and even those of us who are familiar with some art periods and styles but are in no way art authorities. I recommend this to mystery lovers as well as art lovers.

Audio Notes: Susan Fouche does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices and energies to each of the characters. The presentation is clear and flows easily. I enjoyed this and highly recommend the audio version.

Source: Author Marketing Experts. This qualifies for my Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Sunday Post August 5, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 6, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This was a good week with Thursday and Friday out at conference.
We drove through rain all day on Thursday but the drive back was good.

I had good reading and listening. I finished two NetGalley eBooks and three audible titles. I posted two reviews on the blog and two on Goodreads. Plus I posted all of my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Little Library X. Hannah shares book reviews, interviews and character posts.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 29, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 30, 2018.

• Goodreads- AAuthor2018- Christmas at the Inn (Rose and Briar Inn #1) by Andrea Twombly, Lisa Leslie (Narrator); Contemporary, Romance; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.

• MBS July 2018 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 3, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/9/2018.

• NGTBR- #NetGalley Book Review: Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook by Cees Dekker and Corien Oranje; Children, Creation Theories; my rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1) by Amanda Greenslade; Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Goodreads- A2018- Into the Storm (Iron Kingdoms) by Larry Correia, Ray Porter (Narrator); Fantasy, Military; my rating 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 5, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1)
by Amanda Greenslade
I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure with animal shifters and a battle of good and evil. 
My Review is linked above.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible - Review)

The Painter of Time
By: Matthew S O'Connell
Narrated by: Susan Fouche
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Great history, art detail and a twist in this.
Source: Author Marketing Experts.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible - Review)

Christmas at the Inn
Rose and Briar Inn Stories, Book 1
By: Andrea Twombly
This was sweet. My review is linked above.
Source: author through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible)

Into the Storm
Book One of The Malcontents
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: The Malcontents, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
This is an engaging military fantasy. 
My review is linked above.
Source: 2018 Audible Sale $4.95.
Publisher's Summary
A knight of Cygnar follows a strict moral code. His integrity is beyond reproach. He holds himself to the highest standards whether dealing with friend or foe. And he values honor above all.
The year is 606 AR, and Cygnar has been sorely pressed by its enemies both at home and abroad. In Caspia, the conflict with the Protectorate is about to erupt into full war with the looming invasion of Sul. The Cygnaran military is desperate for soldiers with the skill, strength, and bravery to take up the devastating galvanic weaponry of the new Storm Division. In this climate, every soldier is valuable, even those fallen from the honor expected of a Storm Knight. A group of such men - thieves, drunkards, and worse - comprise the Sixth Platoon. All they need is someone to lead them.
Lieutenant Hugh Madigan, a peerless warrior knighted during the reign of deposed King Vinter IV, has spent years in obscurity, punished for his loyalty to the former king. Now he has been ordered back to the front and given command of the Sixth, his task to turn a platoon of miscreants into elite soldiers fit to be called Storm Knights. Time is short, and war is coming. One way or another, Lieutenant Madigan must lead his men into the storm....
©2013 Privateer Press (P)2014 Audible Inc.

5. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer
by Ed Ryder
This is a fun noir lawyer tale.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible)

River of Bones
Destroyermen Series, Book 13
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
Length: 17 hrs and 59 mins
I was happy to get this latest installment when released in audio.
Source: Audible June Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The crew of a WWII destroyer face their greatest challenge yet as they try to survive in a strange new world in the next thrilling book in The New York Times best-selling series.
Commander Matt Reddy and his crew are afraid it may finally be the end of the USS Walker. Ever since their ship was transported to another world, and they became embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Lemurians and the vicious Grik, the Walker has been taking a pounding. With Walker out of commission for repairs, Reddy takes command of a different ship and joins a desperate battle to block the Grik swarm.
Meanwhile, the humans and their allies face a deadly second front in the Republic to the south. All of Reddy's forces are committed, and there's no turning back. Either they'll win - or lose - everything....
©2018 Taylor Anderson (P)2018 Tantor

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

One Perfect Spring
by Irene Hannon
I am reading this for Ladies Book Club July title to be discussed 8/11.
Source: Purchase through Christianbook.com.
Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

3. eBook/Kindle

Tribal Affairs
by Matt Dallmann
This sounds like a fun read.
My review and giveaway day is 8/16.
Source: iRead Book Tours.
Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. Its owner, sixteen-year-old Liana, wears it for the first time during her father Jamison’s opening night illusion spectacular. Not only does its presence cause Jamison to folly his performance, but it also starts a chain of bizarre events that lead to a showdown with Dahlia’s mortal enemy, Stefan, and an unsuspecting romance between Liana and his son.

August 5, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed only 5 books and 4 reviews. That keeps me up to date with only two reviews due.
I still need to find time to keep adding reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is at 12. I now have three author titles in queue. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I have a a pretty full haul this week. 
I picked up one review book and am including one I forgot to include the week before.
I held off on Audible Daily Deals this week but succumbed to the Sci Fi titles on sale! I picked up four.
I resisted the kindle bargain deals but bought a bundle of Sci Fi at ARC Manor-Phoenix. 
And I got two free romance audiobooks.
I only picked up a handful of free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received this through Publishing Push.
To Thine Be the Glory
by Angela D. Martin
Angela Martin’s memoir, To Thine Be the Glory, describes her background, early family life and her changing thoughts on Christianity as she moved into adulthood.
I am looking forward to this spiritual journey.

I received this title through Partners In Crime. 

My review date is late August.

The Former Assassin
by Nikki Stern.
"Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead."
This sounds like an exciting murder suspense.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked this up from the ARC Manor - Phoenix Pick Book of the Month - instead of just one title for free, I got the 4 for $3.99.
Mother Grimm Plus Three Books Of The Earth Series


8/2/18 Audible Sci Fi Sale $4.95 each.
Ghost Talkers
By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 08-16-16

Off to Be the Wizard
By: Scott Meyer
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 03-18-14

The Wolves of Winter
By: Tyrell Johnson
Narrated by: Jayme Mattler
Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 01-02-18

Lock In (Narrated by Wil Wheaton)
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 08-26-14

Free

Two Forever Romance Audios from RWA-exclusive giveaway at Audiobooks.com.
I choose these two books: The Trouble with Dukes and Hometown Cowboy.

I added only 6 free titles to my Kindle library this week - not much time for free downloading. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 5, 2018

We had a good Sunday school lesson and then shared in worship and communion before Pastor continued his series, The Strong, founded on 1 Peter. The theme has been that Christ followers are to be strong. We've been created to be more than we can imagine. We are to be using our spiritual gifts well and we are to keep the main thing the main thing.

Our lives are full of many distractions in work, play, computer, phones and even digital phone-watches. When we give our life to Christ, He should become our main thing.
1 Peter:5 addresses the elders (verse 1) to be an example and he addresses the younger to submit to the example (verse 5). Followers will share in God’s glory (verses 2 and 4).

Point: The imminence of eternity focuses the strong on what matters most - loving God and loving people.

When we Love God it changes our purpose for living. Peter instructs the followers to ‘care for the flock, watch over them, lead them’. Christ followers are to be tethered together -- a team with a guide. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15: 13.

There is a death zone on Mt Everest where a guide must lead through the dangerous trail. We will face challenges when we cross the ‘death zone’ line from church to community. We must be strong to take the offense for Christ, not remain always on the defense. Humble yourselves and cast your cares on Him. 1 Peter 5:6-7.

Allow the imminence of eternity to focus your attention on what matters most.

I looked at numerous videos and chose this one.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

#NetGalley Book Review: Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1) by Amanda Greenslade

I really like this fantasy adventure with animal shifters and a battle of good and evil.

Talon - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 1)
by Amanda Greenslade

File Size: 3502 KB
Print Length: 278 pages
Publisher: Australian eBook Publisher; 1 edition (April 1, 2016)
ASIN: B01BOGSCM6
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

With a newly awakened icetiger for his companion, Talon is finally learning the magic of the Kriite people, including telepathy and shape-changing. After his home town Jaria is attacked by Zeikas he embarks on a mission to seek help.
Before Talon even understands the power within him, there are demon summoners after him. He is horrified to learn that the Zeika leader plans to use Talon’s body and mind to further his ambition for power. Bal Harar is on a god-given mission to enslave or kill all Kriites.
Talon represents both the greatest threat and the greatest opportunity to the Zeikas—his actions and faith will make all the difference between the two.

Review:
Talon is on the cusp of manhood when he finally meets his ‘Rada-kin”, the animal companion which allows his telepathy and shifter skills to emerge. Talon’s special animal is a powerful icetiger which brings him quick respect from most of his clan. Talon’s people are Kriites who believe in a loving God (Krii) who takes the shape of a wolf and who helps the people through ‘magic’ of nature and spirit. Although the Kriites want to live in peace, they are being enslaved and killed by the cruel Zeikas who consider those who believe in any God but theirs (Zei) as inferior infidels.

The Zeikas have powerful magic which includes demon summoning but they do not have the strength of the telepathy that the Kriites have. A ruthless Zeika leader, Bar Harrar, believes he can take over Talon’s magical skills – or he will eliminate him if his plan to control him doesn’t work.

Talon’s town is attacked as the Zeikas seek to capture him. The town elders send Talon on a quest to discover the full extent of his powers hoping he can return as a strong leader to help them. They agree that a visiting ambassador, Sarlice, who has more experience, can serve as Talon’s guide to first travel together to seek the King’s assistance and protection against the Zeikas for their respective clans. The two young adults set off with their animal companions to make the dangerous journey with enemy Zeikas abounding and hope of allies unsure.

The characters are nicely developed with relatable emotions. I enjoyed the fun interaction between Talon and his icetiger as they get to know each other and their world perspectives. The world building is creative and workable and there is plenty of fighting action to keep things interesting. It was clear early in the story that this has allegorical elements of Christian faith, love and peace having to face a world full of wicked, evil, power seeking enemies. I like the good versus evil battle aspects as well as the telepathic and animal shifter magic so it is an engaging package for me.

The book is a good start to a series and ends with the companions being chased into the next mysterious land for Talon’s quest. I will be looking to pick up the next book. This is appropriate for YA reading but I recommend this to all readers who enjoy fantasy with sword play and shape shifting.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook by Cees Dekker and Corien Oranje

This is a fun read sharing creation and scientific theories.
Science Geek Sam and his Secret Logbook
by Cees Dekker (Author), Corien Oranje (Author), Perta van Rijssen (Illustrator)

File Size: 3464 KB
Print Length: 208 pages
Publisher: Lion Children's Books (October 20, 2017)
ASIN: B079YX2X9B
Genre: Children, Creation Theories
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

"I'm afraid you're at the top end of the healthy weight range," said the doctor. This is doctor's speak for "you are FAT"! "Do you know how much I'd weigh if I was on Pluto?" "No idea," replied the doctor. "Only 2.3 kilograms. Practically nothing!" Meet Sam, science geek extraordinaire, and have an exclusive peek at his top secret logbook. When a meteorite crashes into Sam’s school bike shed, his class have a LOT of questions about space, the universe, and life on earth. But can they believe in God AND the Big Bang? They make some cool discoveries that show them that, surprisingly, the answer is a clear yes. A fact-filled and thought-provoking story that will make you chuckle.

Review:
Sam is a ten or eleven year old (based on highest grade in primary school) who loves science. His Uncle Jack is a science professor. When a meteorite crashes on the bike shed at Sam’s school, Uncle Jack is one of the experts called in to investigate. Many questions arise from the meteorite crash and Sam’s teacher, Mr. Nolan, decides to set up a “People Library” to bring in people with expertise to share knowledge and answer questions for the students.

Uncle Jack is one of the speakers who comes in to explain the scientific aspects of the meteorite, planets and the universe. In the process he describes the science of the Big Bang. However, Sam’s school is a Christian school and some of the parents are alarmed that the students are being taught science facts that might conflict with the beliefs they have been taught. The students hear from other people about God’s Creation but there are still conflicting arguments.

Mr. Nolan arranges a week-long camping trip for the class where the students can visit a museum, a planetarium and get some hands-on experience as well as researching their questions.
Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of “camping out”. When they go, there are conflicts among the students, but they work through issues and end up having a great week.

The story is told in a very fun fashion through Sam’s journaling, narrating and email exchanges, mostly with Uncle Jack. There are fun interactions and incidents with the students that add a personal element of appropriate aged fun.

Sam is a curious ‘science geek’ and the book is packed with tidbits of information about things such as meteors, stars, fossils and even DNA. Throughout the book there are weblinks and scan codes to explore the facts and theories that are discussed. I thought this was very clever and hope young people would take advantage to see the additional resources.

The authors do an engaging job of sharing scientific arguments and Christian foundations of creation. The authors make a presentation that allows a merger of Biblical and scientific elements, allowing for God to have created the world over a long period of time. The overall package encourages young people to be open minded in their studies of creation and science.

The book combines the scientific knowledge and evangelist faith of Cees Dekker with the fun writing skills of child author Corien Oranje. The illustrations by Perta van Rijssen are basic, fun and fitting to add to the story. I don’t agree totally with the science that is presented but I thought the method of sharing the arguments was fun and thought provoking.

Source: NetGalley (Jan 2018). This qualifies for NetGalley and 2018 Alphabet Challenges.